Prayagraj: With the festival of light, Deepawali, approaching, every household has begun its annual cleaning routine, from removing cobwebs and scrubbing hard-to-reach corners to shifting heavy sofas, cupboards and other furniture to give homes a fresh look.
But while the focus is on making every corner spotless before the festival, orthopaedic surgeons warn that careless bending, prolonged cleaning and lifting heavy objects can leave people with back pain and even serious spinal problems.
He further said the most common mistake people make while lifting heavy objects is bending directly from the waist instead of using their knees and legs. TOI spoke to two eminent city-based orthopaedic surgeons for their opinion on dos and don’ts against the backdrop of the intense cleaning in every household. “The lower back is particularly vulnerable during such activities. Bending repeatedly from the waist, twisting while lifting furniture or suddenly pulling a heavy object can put excessive pressure on the lumbar spine. What may initially feel like ordinary muscle strain can sometimes aggravate an existing spinal problem or cause a disc-related injury,” opines Dr KD Tripathi.
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Lift smart, protect your back Dr Tripathi says the right lifting technique is one of the simplest ways to prevent injuries. This shifts much of the load to the lower back and increases the risk of muscle and ligament strain. People with a history of back pain or spinal problems need to be especially cautious during the festive cleaning rush. Likewise, Dr Kushagra Darbari, another orthopaedic surgeon in the city, advises people to break lengthy cleaning schedules into shorter sessions rather than attempting to finish the entire house in one go. Taking short breaks, avoiding sudden movements and seeking help while shifting heavy furniture can significantly reduce the strain on the back. Instead of bending forward with straight knees, squat down, hold the object close to the body and stand up using the strength of your legs. Avoid twisting the waist while carrying a load. If an object is too heavy, do not attempt to move it alone. People who have to undertake prolonged physical work may consider a lumbar support belt after consulting an orthopaedic specialist. However, such belts should not be treated as a substitute for correct posture and safe lifting practices. Small breaks can prevent bigger trouble Continuous cleaning can fatigue the muscles supporting the spine. Rather than spending several hours in one posture, alternate between standing, sitting and light activities. Avoid prolonged bending while wiping floors or cleaning underneath beds and furniture. Dr Darbari advises that gentle stretching after household work can help relieve muscular stiffness, provided there is no acute pain or injury. Post-cleaning recovery matters too After a strenuous cleaning session, adequate rest, hydration and gentle movement can help tired muscles recover. A warm shower may provide comfort from muscular stiffness. However, these measures are not substitutes for treatment if an injury has occurred. When should you see a doctor ? Not every episode of back pain after cleaning indicates a slipped disc. However, persistent or worsening pain should not be ignored. Pain radiating from the lower back into the legs, tingling, numbness or muscle weakness requires medical evaluation. Download the TOI App.